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Lot Essay
Ansdell is one of the most respected of Victorian sporting artists. Born in Liverpool, he began studying painting in 1836 and acted as President of Liverpool Academy from 1845-6. Following his move to London, he was elected A.R.A. in 1861 and R.A. in 1870.
Although he was said to look to Landseer for inspiration, Ansdell's animal subjects lack that latent cruelty which is sometimes evident in the work of his contemporary. Technically, he can occasionally be judged on equal terms - especially in the treatment of animal anatomy. Ansdell's concern for animal welfare prompted his famous stipulation upon receiving a Royal Commission. Summoned to Balmoral to paint Queen Victoria's dogs, he requested that the animals should instead be bought to Moy Lodge. He felt that he could put them at ease in the congenial atmosphere of his home. The Queen was not amused and Ansdell's chance to rival Landseer in terms of Royal patronage was lost.
Ansdell loved Scotland, and built a house there: Moy Lodge at Loch Laggan. He also looked further afield, and between 1857 and 1860 travelled to Spain with his friend and fellow artist John Phillip. They collaborated on many Spanish subjects. Ansdell also collaborated on works with Thomas Creswick and William Powell Frith.
Ansdell won many major patrons and worked in the 1840s and '50s for the Earls of Sefton, Derby, Spencer, and the Marquess of Bute. Between 1840 and 1885 he exhibited 150 pictures at the Royal Academy. Many of these works were engraved, bringing them to the notice of a wider audience and ensuring his long-term popularity.
Although he was said to look to Landseer for inspiration, Ansdell's animal subjects lack that latent cruelty which is sometimes evident in the work of his contemporary. Technically, he can occasionally be judged on equal terms - especially in the treatment of animal anatomy. Ansdell's concern for animal welfare prompted his famous stipulation upon receiving a Royal Commission. Summoned to Balmoral to paint Queen Victoria's dogs, he requested that the animals should instead be bought to Moy Lodge. He felt that he could put them at ease in the congenial atmosphere of his home. The Queen was not amused and Ansdell's chance to rival Landseer in terms of Royal patronage was lost.
Ansdell loved Scotland, and built a house there: Moy Lodge at Loch Laggan. He also looked further afield, and between 1857 and 1860 travelled to Spain with his friend and fellow artist John Phillip. They collaborated on many Spanish subjects. Ansdell also collaborated on works with Thomas Creswick and William Powell Frith.
Ansdell won many major patrons and worked in the 1840s and '50s for the Earls of Sefton, Derby, Spencer, and the Marquess of Bute. Between 1840 and 1885 he exhibited 150 pictures at the Royal Academy. Many of these works were engraved, bringing them to the notice of a wider audience and ensuring his long-term popularity.